Anantara Spa Desaru Coast
Monica Tindall
Benefiting from a separate compound to the resort it is housed in, Anantara Spa Desaru Coast is a haven of tranquillity and beauty. Enveloped in an intimate garden with its own entrance, guests are guaranteed privacy and peace. The international-standard spa features a compilation of bespoke, luxurious and holistic massages, facials and body treatments. It’s just as well suited to an express beauty treatment as it is to a half or whole day spa journey. However, given such beautiful surroundings, I definitely choose the latter.
Anantara Spa Desaru Coast
The garden that encircles the spa is fronted by a spacious pavilion housing the reception and sales boutique. It’s the gateway to the spa villas, of which there are six, each with its own ensuite bathroom. Two couples’ suites, two deluxe couples’ suites with in-room Jacuzzis, and two singles’ suites cater to multiple preferences. Additionally, a relaxation area centres the villas as a covered deck, bordered by water features and pretty garden views.
Receptionist Daisy greets me with a lavender-scented wet towel and rose and chrysanthemum tea. Lavender, she says, is a natural mood enhancer, and the tea’s ingredients remove the heat from the body. I soon discover that every minute detail has been given careful thought at Anantara Spa Desaru Coast. A luxury spa experience is all about rituals and routines, and here they have ensured each is designed with a clear purpose.
After filling out a brief preference questionnaire, I’m offered several choices of masks (for my facial) and five genres of music to accompany the session. Masks are all fruit-based, coming from the premium brand, Marzia. The music selection includes Chill Out, Grounding Elements, Eastern Harmony, Dream State and Soothing Spa Rhythms. My pick, Chill Out, is described as ambient, contemporary lounge music with an easy-listening, hypnotic vibe, created by the guitar, piano, gentle beats, and electronica. Preferences picked, I’m ready for my spa journey.
Therapist Azreen collects me from reception and guides me along a wooden boardwalk to a private spa villa. The room is incredibly spacious, offering an immediate sense of repose. There’s space for belongings and hangers for my clothes. I change into the provided mesh panties, cosy robe and slippers provided.
Anantara Spa Desaru Coast – Spa Treatments
Today I’m experiencing the Chromo-Aroma Holistic Facial (RM 500, 90 minutes) and the Anantara Signature Massage (RM 500, 90 minutes). I believe that 90 minutes rather than 60 is the ideal length of a spa treatment. I find an hour is not long enough, and two hours just makes me restless. The price difference here is only RM 50 (RM 450 for 60 minutes, or RM 500 for 90), so it’s worth the add-on, I think.
Chromo-Aroma Holistic Facial
As mentioned, the team at Anantara Spa Desaru Coast are masterful in routines and rituals. Each treatment begins with a footbath and breathing exercise, which ready both the mind and the body to accept the benefits of the session to come.
If you were tossing up choosing between a facial and a massage, the Chromo-Aroma Holistic Facial is an excellent choice. Combining all the steps in a luxury facial, along with a back, head and shoulder massage, you get the best of both worlds.
The automated bed rises under my knees, relieving pressure from my lower back. There’s no question that the mattress has been made with international guests in mind as it is plenty long enough for my lengthy frame. I’m at ease, but my therapist checks in on comfort levels, temperature and music before continuing.
The facial begins with a magnificent back, and shoulder massage with my upper half slightly elevated thanks to the automated bed. It’s followed by cleansing, toning, a mask and a face, head and hand massage. It concludes with more moisturizer, serum and sunscreen.
Anantara Signature Massage
If you prefer to dedicate 100% of your time to massage, then the Anantara Signature is an exceptional pick. Eastern and western techniques – Swedish long strokes and Thai light stretching – come together in this massage. Combined with a signature oil blend based on the luxuriously silky argan oil, circulation is stimulated, and deep relaxation is achieved.
After lying for such a long period (although I don’t know where the time disappeared to), my gradual reawakening begins with a peppermint-scented head massage. It’s followed by a gentle foot stretch and removal of oil with a warm, wet towel. The automated bed slowly returns me to a seated position. Azreen re-robes me, and I head to the outdoor relaxation gazebo for some honey-ginger tea and chocolate chip and nut cookies.
Taking a few minutes to recompose, I feel restored energy and an overall sense of well-being.
Reasons to visit Anantara Spa Desaru Coast: beautiful, private setting; high-quality treatments by expert therapists; attention to detail.
Anantara Spa Desaru Coast @ Anantara Desaru Coast
Persiaran Pantai, Desaru Coast,
81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
60 7 828 0888
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/anantaradesaru/
Anantara Spa Desaru Coast Opening Hours
Monday-Thursday: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Friday-Sunday: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
Find more recommendations for Desaru Coast here and stay up-to-date with the latest gourmet and travel recommendations for Malaysia here and here.
Love the lobby! Classic!
How I would love to visit a place like this and have a day of total relaxation. Sorry, I am not doing a very good job of keeping up at the moment. I do though appreciate all your comments and answer every one. I hope all is well, cheers Diane